Mpika minivan-train crash
| Mpika minivan–train crash | |
|---|---|
| |
| Date | 5 July 2025 |
| Time | ~09:00(CAT (UTC+2)) |
| Location | Kasenga Rail Crossing, Mpika District, Muchinga Province |
| Country | Zambia
|
| Line | Tanzania–Zambia Railway (TAZARA) |
| Operator | Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) |
| Type | Level-crossing collision |
| Trains | 1 |
| Road vehicles | 1 (Toyota Noah minivan)
|
| Deaths | 9 |
| Injuries | 5
|
The Mpika minivan–train crash was a fatal collision that occurred on 5 July 2025 at the Kasenga Rail Crossing in Mpika District, Zambia. A Tanzania–Zambia Railway (TAZARA) train collided with a Toyota Noah minivan carrying 13 passengers travelling toward the Mpika Central Business District. Initial reports stated eight deaths; the death toll later rose to nine, with several additional injuries reported.[1][2]
Background
Kasenga Rail Crossing lies on the TAZARA line in Mpika, a key railway corridor linking Zambia and Tanzania. Level crossings in rural areas have been flagged as high-risk points due to limited safety infrastructure such as boom gates and poor motorist compliance with stop requirements.[3]
Accident details
At about 09:00 on 5 July 2025, a TAZARA train travelling from Mpika towards Serenje struck a Toyota Noah minivan at Kasenga Rail Crossing after the minivan failed to stop at the tracks. The impact dragged the vehicle several metres and caused catastrophic damage. Police indicated there were 13 occupants in the minivan, which was travelling from Lumbatwa village toward Mpika’s CBD.[1][4]
Casualties
Seven people died at the scene and one more died shortly after; subsequent reports confirmed a ninth fatality days later. Among the dead was the driver, identified as Enock Daka. Five other passengers were reported injured and were treated at Chilonga Mission Hospital.[1][2][4]
Investigation and response
Authorities opened an inquiry into the circumstances of the collision. The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) urged extreme caution at rail crossings and said it would work with railway operators to install boom gates and other control measures at high-risk sites.[3]
Aftermath
The crash received wide local and regional coverage, focusing public attention on the risks at unprotected rail crossings and renewing calls for investment in road-rail safety infrastructure in Muchinga Province and beyond.[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 [1]29 September 2025}}
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
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